Au Bon Climat Barrel Tasting & Lunch
You can imagine our excitement when Jim Clendenen invited us for Au Bon Climat barrel tasting & lunch. Jim Clendenen is recognized worldwide for his classically-styled and elegant Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. As we arrived we were immediately drown into the busy life of a working winery and the fragrant aromas of exotic spices made us instantly hungry.
He and his crew are truly enjoying the pleasures of life by sharing food and wine together. Every so often the massive custom wooden dining table in the middle of the warehouse is filled with different dishes and wines from the winery and from around the world for tasting and for discussion. What a fantastic way to find a perfect Food & Wine pairing! We enjoyed his passion for cooking as he prepared a delicious lunch with flavors inspired by his upcoming trip to Bali. The lovely curry aromas were enveloping us while we had the chance for special “Barrel Tasting” of two wines with Gavin Chanin, the assistant wine maker.
The first wine we tasted was Jim’s new Italian project a 2005 Clendenen Family Vineyards Tocai with fruity, floral and honey aromas.
Tokai Description: The white wine grape widely grown in and around Italy’s FRIULI-VENEZIA GIULIA region. Elegant, yet lively wine.
Pairing Suggestions:
Tomato Basil Mozzarella Orzo Salad
Butternut Squash Risotto with Shrimp and Pancetta
The second wine is from the site of the Los Alamos vineyards where Jim with his label Au Bon Climat began making wines in 1982. This location is perfect for cool climate varietals and the most characteristic of Jim’s wine making style. This Chardonnay had the most beautiful balance and perfect acidity so you could enjoy with seafood or chicken dishes.
2007 Los Alamos Historical Vineyard Chardonnay
Description: *Available to Online Customers ONLY… not in general release.*
Pairing Suggestion:
Wine Country Roast Chicken
Poached Halibut with Fennel and Chardonnay
Jim prepared the most incredible feast we ever had in his winery kitchen! Here is what he made:
Stew with Singapore seasoning
Jasmine Rice
Japanese Shrimp with roe
Thai Spiced Vegetables – broccoli, sugar snap peas harvested from Jim’s garden and mushrooms
Penang Beef Curry – with red bell peppers, carrots, peanuts and coconut milk
Traditional Thai Rice
Thank you Jim for treating us to your culinary talents and we still crave the flavors of this fantastic lunch.
Au Bon Climat sources fruit from several of the most highly regarded vineyards in the Central Coast. These include Clendenen’s own Le Bon Climat Vineyard and estate plantings at the legendary Bien Nacido Vineyard – both in Santa Maria Valley, Sanford & Benedict Vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills, Los Alamos Vineyard (Santa Barbara County), and San Luis Obispo County’s Talley Vineyard.
Au Bon Climat Jim Clendenen
Jim Clendenen is known as the “Mind Behind” Au Bon Climat and is known globally for his Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris.
